Walescast

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Is Westminster's Time Coming to an End? Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

For the first time since devolution began, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all led by first ministers who support leaving the United Kingdom. Following a press conference with the three leaders, Fliss and James discuss the signing of an agreement, which argues that no Westminster government has the right to "block democracy". James reports from the event and speaks to STV's Political Editor Colin Mackay about the political landscape in Scotland and what this moment could mean for the independence movement. The podcast also hears from BBC Northern Ireland Political Reporter Brendan Hughes, who offers insight into the picture in Northern Ireland.

'Must try harder' - Wales' poor PISA results Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Fliss studies the latest PISA results that show Wales has fallen further behind other UK nations, as well as taking a look back at the Reform party conference.

When we met Helen Jenner at the Pritchard Jones Institute Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

Fliss and James are in Newborough, on Anglesey, to meet Reform UK's Welsh Deputy Leader. Joining her at the Pritchard Jones Institute they chat about her upbringing, career, Welsh identity and political journey. She also reveals the band she was in growing up and her time at the BRIT School for performing arts. Throughout August, Walescast has been travelling across the country to speak to politicians from a different political parties.

Has Plaid Cymru's 100 Day Plan Paid Off? Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

We have come to the end of Plaid Cymru's 100 Day Plan. But, what have they achieved in that time? Fliss catches up with BBC Wales' Political Editor Gareth Lewis to find out what's gone well and the issues that have arisen for the new Government. We listen to Gareth's interview with the Minister for Effectiveness and the Constitution as well as hearing from leaders of the opposition.

When we met Heledd Fychan at the National Lido of Wales Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

James is in Ynysangharad Park, overlooking the National Lido of Wales, to chat with Heledd Fychan MS. Recently appointed Minister for Culture and Sport in the new Plaid Cymru Government, she also serves as the party's Trefnydd and Chief Whip. In this wide-ranging interview, James and Heledd discuss Plaid Cymru's historic election victory, her own political journey, the current state of sport and culture in Wales, and the challenges and opportunities facing her party in government. Throughout August, Walescast is travelling across Wales to speak to politicians from different parties.

When we met Ken Skates at Shotton Steelworks Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Fliss and James meet the new Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates MS at the John Summers Clock Tower on the former Shotton Steelworks site. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss his upbringing, career, experiences with mental health and the challenging period ahead for Welsh Labour. Throughout August, Walescast is travelling across Wales to speak to politicians from across the political spectrum.

What has Burnham's First Week Meant for Wales? Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Fliss and James are joined by three BBC political correspondents from Wales and Westminster. They discuss Burnham's first week as PM, what's been said about Wales and some familiar faces at the heart of his new cabinet. They also discuss an issue with the Welsh Government's Supplementary Budget plans.

Royal Welsh, Rural Affairs and a New Prime Minister Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

The Royal Welsh is back, and James is joined by a variety of guests at the showground to discuss what a Plaid Cymru government means for rural affairs and Welsh farming. The conversation also turns to Westminster, where a new Prime Minister has taken office, and what these political changes could mean for agriculture and Welsh politics.

This episode was recorded on 21 July 2026.

New Labour Leaders Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Ken Skates has been confirmed as the new permanent leader of Welsh Labour, inheriting a party facing significant challenges after its disappointing Senedd election performance. As he steps into the role, he'll become the public face of one of Wales's opposition parties, with the task of rebuilding support and restoring confidence in Welsh Labour. Former journalist and ex-Chief of Staff to the Welsh Government, Jo Kiernan, joins us to assess the scale of the challenge ahead and what Skates must do to turn the party's fortunes around. We also hear from our Political Editor Gareth Lewis, who looks ahead to Andy Burnham taking the reins after Keir Starmer's final week as Prime Minister. Can Burnham reset relations between Wales and Westminster, and what might his leadership mean for the future of Welsh politics and for the Labour party here?

Budget Vote Loss: The Analysis Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Plaid Cymru's plans for additional spending have been voted down in the Senedd after Labour refused to back proposed budget changes. Fliss and James are joined by Dr Ed Poole of the Wales Governance Centre and BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis to unpack the political fallout and examine the numbers in the budget. They also speak to Luke Sibieta from the Institute for Fiscal Studies about Additional Learning Needs funding, a key issue that contributed to the Welsh Government's defeat.

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